How it works?We understand people can have reservations about starting a claim. However, we're here to help! When you enter your details, they are sent straight to National Accident Helpline, our partners. A member of their expert team of legal service advisers will call you as soon as possible to talk over your claim. There is no obligation to use their services when you submit your details, so don't worry if you change your mind.

Can whiplash occur even after a low speed collision?

Whiplash is a painful neck and back injury that often occurs in road accidents and collisions. It happens when the body is moving and is then forced to stop suddenly as a result of a collision. Even though the body stops, the head continues to move and consequently, jerks at the neck. This can sprain the ligaments and tendons that are found in the neck region, causing discomfort, stiffness and pain.

Can I get whiplash in a low-speed traffic accident?

Many people think whiplash only occurs in accidents where the car or cars involved were travelling at speed. However, this is not the case. While it is typically more common the faster the car (or cars) involved were travelling, it can occur in low speed collisions as well. Thus it does not necessarily matter whether the vehicle has any damage or not: it is still possible for the victims of the accident to suffer from whiplash, even if their car doesn’t have a scratch to show for the incident.

How can whiplash be caused by a low speed collision?

Clearly there is more going on here than simply the effect of one vehicle hitting another, even if it does happen at low speed. Consider for a moment the idea of driving your vehicle at perhaps 5-10mph along a road in heavy traffic. The last thing you would be expecting would be to have a car accident. However, if another car tries to turn into a side road and they do not see you, they could turn straight into your vehicle. Even though this may not happen at speed, it would still be a shock, causing you to jump and perhaps stiffen up involuntarily.

Making a case for compensation

This is thought to be partly why whiplash can occur even when the vehicles involved are travelling extremely slowly. It’s an unconscious reaction to want to make sure your head stays still rather than being whipped around, and this in turn can cause whiplash. You have no control over it, but as you can see if you are involved in this type of collision and it is the fault of the other person, you may still develop whiplash and therefore be able to file a legitimate claim for compensation.

Want free advice? Enter your details and we'll call you back!

*Disclaimer: Although this site is updated as often as possible the information provided may not accurately reflect the current laws, procedures and/or facilities available to you. To ensure that you get the most up to date information make sure you consult an actual injury solicitor before pursuing any action. The articles on this site are for informational purposes only and are not intended to advise any particular action or inaction. Please read our
terms of use for more information.

Claims4Free Ltd is regulated by the Claims Management Regulator in respect of regulated claims management activities; registration number CRM 19143, recorded on the website www.gov.uk/moj/cmr